A reflection on creativity, noticing, and self-regulation
Hello my friend,
Lately I’ve been spending a little time with the coloring pages from my book.
Not with the intention of creating something perfect.
Not even with the goal of finishing a page.
Just sitting with it for a few minutes.
A few colors.
Maybe a pen nearby to jot a word or two.
Sometimes nothing more than that.
As I color or doodle, I notice something interesting happening.
My breathing slows a bit.
My mind begins to quiet.
Thoughts that felt scattered begin to settle.
It reminds me of something I’ve witnessed many times over the years while supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.
Creativity often helps the body and brain come back into balance.
Sometimes we think of coloring or simple art as something small.
Something meant just for children or something to fill time.
But I’ve seen it become so much more.
I’ve seen individuals who struggle to communicate begin to relax as they move a marker, colored pencil or crayon across the page.
I’ve seen someone who felt overwhelmed begin to focus on just one small area, one color at a time.
I’ve seen caregivers pause alongside the person they support and discover that the activity is helping them breathe a little easier too.
Creativity has a way of doing that.
It invites us to slow down.
It reminds us that participation doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it is simply about being present with the materials in front of us and allowing the moment to unfold.
In occupational therapy we often talk about helping individuals participate in the activities that matter to them.
Sometimes those activities are large and complex.
Other times, they are quiet and simple.
A coloring page.
A few colors.
A moment to notice how the body feels.
A chance to pause.
Lately, these quiet coloring moments have been reminding me that creativity does not always need to be productive or impressive.
Sometimes it simply helps us reconnect with ourselves.
And sometimes, that is exactly what we need.
So if you happen to have a coloring page nearby, or even just a scrap of paper and a pen, you might consider giving yourself a few quiet minutes.
Not to create something perfect.
Just to notice what happens.
A gentle reflection:
Have you ever noticed how a small creative moment can shift how you feel?